Marshall Briefs

July 13, 2006|STAFF AND REPORTS

INDIANAPOLIS

State to receive $4.6 million in flu aid

Indiana will receive nearly $4.6 million from the federal government to help the state prepare for a possible flu pandemic, officials said Tuesday. State leaders said they likely will use the money for exercises about medication distribution and quarantine procedures. State Health Commissioner Judith Monroe said the agency will form an advisory committee to decide the best way to use the money. The grant awarded to Indiana this week is part of a $350 million emergency appropriation to upgrade state and local pandemic flu preparedness. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded Indiana $2 million in February. Health officials are on alert because of concerns about bird flu circulating among fowl in Europe and Asia. They worry it could mutate and spread easily between humans. If the avian flu does lead to a pandemic, state officials have estimated that nearly 6,000 Hoosiers would die if the virus infected 35 percent of the population. Federal officials have estimated that 1.8 million Americans could die. PLYMOUTH

City apologizes for red water on Wednesday

The northern portion of Plymouth may have experienced brown or red water Wednesday morning due to a contractor who caused a water surge while doing line work. According to a press release from the water department, the city apologized for any inconvenience the incident may have caused. Residents are reminded to run a cold water faucet until it becomes clear again. If a hot water faucet runs while the color is still present, it will get into the hot water tank. If it does not clear up shortly, or for more information, contact the water department at (574) 936-2543. PLYMOUTH

Families to get a taste of Jellybeans

Jetta and the Jellybeans headline the performers at this year's Coca-Cola Family Day in the Park Saturday at Centennial Park. Sponsored by the Plymouth Park Department, the second-annual event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the park's Young Amphitheatre at Baker and Randolph streets. Free hot dogs and Coca-Cola will be served and families can also watch Mark and Liza Woolever as well as "Ken the Balloon Guy." Jetta and the Jellybeans are scheduled to perform at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.